Guard for tomato lugs or similar containers



June 19, 1934.

J. W. TREW GUARD FOR TOMATO LUGS OR .SIMILAR CONTAINERS Filed Nov. 7, 1933 ifi 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 JIM/.7901! June 19, 1934. J. w. TREW 1,963,925

GUARD FOR TOMATO LUGS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS Filed Nov. 7, i935 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 z? 4 8 7 0 7 4' June 19, 1934. w TR W 1,963,925

GUARD FOR TOMATO LUGS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS Filed Nov. 7, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 June 19, 1934.

J. w. TREW 1,963,925

GUARD FOR TOMATO LUGS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS Filed Nov 7, 19-35 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Gum/MA Patented June 19, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE GUARD FOR TOMATD LUGS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS Application November 7, 1933, Serial No. 697,077

19 Claims.

This invention relates to guards for tomato lugs or similar containers, and it is an object of the invention to provide a device of this kind which when applied has a portion substantially closing the space between a side wall of the lug and the applied lid whereby the upper or facing layer of the tomatoes or the like is effectively protected.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a guard of this kind having means coacting with a part or parts of the lug to hold the applied guard against outward movement.

Another object of the invention is to provide a guard of this kind having means for coaction with the contents of the lug or kindred container for holding the guard against outward displacement.

The invention consists in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts of my improved guard for a tomato lug or similar container whereby certain important advantages are attained and the device rendered simpler, less expensive and otherwise more convenient and advantageous for use, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth.

The novel features of my invention will hereinafter be definitely claimed.

In order that my invention may be the better understood, I will now proceed to describe the same with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure l is a view in top plan of a guard constructed in accordance with an embodiment of my invention and also illustrating an initial step in applying the same;

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 showing a second step in the application of the guard;

Figure 3 is a view in top plan illustrating the guard in a further position during its application;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1 illustrating another step in the application of the guard;

Figure 5 is a view in top plan with a portion of the lug broken away showing the guard in working position;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary vertical sectional View taken through the upper portion of'the lug as illustrated in Figure 1 adjacent to the applied guard, said guard being in elevation;

Figure '7 is a fragmentary view in elevation of the lug and applied guard with a part of the guard overlying the upper edge of a side wall of the lug as is also illustrated in Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 showing a part of the guard engaged within an outwardly opening recess or pocket as provided by slight- 1y spacing the side wall of the lug from the end wall;

Figure 9 is a view in elevation of a guard constructed in accordance with another embodiment of my invention unapplied;

Figure 10 is a View partly in section and partly in elevation illustrating the guard as shown in Figure 9 in applied or working position;

Figure 11 is a view in elevation of a guard constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of my invention;

Figure 12 is a fragmentary view partly in section and partly in elevation showing the guard illustrated in Figure 11 in applied position;

Figure 13 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 13-43 of Figure 12;

Figures 14, 15, 16 and 17 are elevational views illustrating further embodiments of the invention.

In the embodiment of my invention as illustrated in Figures 1 to 8 inclusive the guard comprises an initially flat elongated arcuate band B, the curvature of the outer edge a of which is disposed on an arc to closely approach the general curvature of a lid or cover A when applied to the lug L.

The lug L is of a conventional type employed in the packing of tomatoes and kindred articles and wherein the end walls 1 have secured along their upper edges the cleats 2 each of which extends aslight distance inwardly of the lug whereby is provided an underlying shoulder 3.

The extremities of the band B carry the extensions 4 which extend from the outer marginal edge a of the band for a-considerable distance transversely across the band B and at a desired point intermediate its ends each of the extensions 4 is divided by a slit 5 of desired'length into what may be termed a lower'flap 4. The inner margin or end of the flap 4 is separated from the extension 4 proper by a score line 6. Initially each of the flaps 4 is coplanar with the extension 4 in its entirety and with the body portion of the band B.

The end edges of the band B inwardly or to one side of the extensions 4 are inwardly inclined, as at b, with respect to the extensions 4, the inner end of each of said inclined edges b terminating a slight distance inwardly, as at c, from the adjacent score line 6.

The distance between the score lines 6 of the band B is substantially equal to the distance between the opposed faces 7 of the end walls 1 of the lug L so that when the band B is in applied or working position, as particularly illustrated in Figures and 6, the flaps 4' will be inwardly disposed with respect to the lug and having close contact with said faces '7 and more particularly in a position whereby said flaps 4' will underlie the shoulders 3 so that accidental outward displacement of the guard B is effectively prevented.

The arrangement of the flaps 4 together with the structure of the band B and the extensions 4 are such to allow the band B to be applied in working position in a manner whereby the flaps 4 will automatically assume their holding or locking position with respect to the shoulders 3.

To facilitate the application of the band B to a lug it is to be particularly noted that in Figure 1 the distance between the points c is less than the minimum spacing between the opposed faces of the cleats 2 while the inclined edge portions 2) facilitate the placement of the guard or band B in working position.

In Figures 1 to 5 are illustrated in substantial sequence the various essential operations necessary to properly place a guard or band B. As illustrated in Figure 1 the band B in fiat form or with all of the parts coplanar has its extremities rested from above upon the cleats 2 with the outwardly curved edge a disposed toward the'side wall 8 of the lug L which is opposed to the operator, diagrammatically indicated at 9. The operator then swings downwardly and in his direction the band B and in a direction transversely of the band B as illustrated in Figure 2 and during which operation the flaps 4 are bent inwardly until the band B assumes a substantially vertical position as illustrated in Figure 3. In this operation the band B is also disposed by the operator in a direction lengthwise of the band on a curvature disposed toward the operator. The operator then forces out the central portion of the band B to dispose the same on a curvature in a direction away from the operator as illustrated in Figure 4, and then the band B is pulled toward the operator until the upper portions of the extensions 4 ride off of the ends of the cleats 2 and drop down upon the upper edge of the adjacent side wall 8 of the lug L as is particularly illustrated in Figure 5. While the band B is being moved toward the operator, as indicated in Figure 4, the flaps 4 ride along the inner edge faces of the cleats 2 but as the extensions 4 pass off of said cleats 2 and the bandB straightens out for close contact against the inner face of the side wall 8, the flaps 4 will automatically pass into holding or locking position beneath the shoulders 3. The contact of the extensions 4 with the upper edge faces of the side wall 8 of the lug L serves to prevent undue downward movement of the band B within the lug L when such limitation is desired or, as indicated in Figure 8,

each. of the extensions 4 can be received within an upwardly facing recess or within a recess opening in a direction away from the bottom of the lug L as by slightly separating a side wall 8 from an end wall 1. By this latter arrangement there will, of course, be no undue resistance oifered to the downward movement of the band 13 other than frictional contact.

In the embodiment of my invention as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the band B is of desired width and is of a length substantially equal to the distance between the opposed end walls 1 of the lug L and each end of the band B at a desired point intermediate its ends is provided with a flap 4 which is initially coplanar with the band B proper and separated therefrom by the score line 6. The outer or upper edge a of the band B as herein disclosed is disposed on a desired curvature while the inner or opposite longitudinal edge I) is substantially straight from end to end.

The flaps i engage under the shoulders 3' as afforded by the extended portions of the cleats 2 and in substantially the same manner is hereinbefore described with respect to the band B.

In the embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figures 11 to 13 the band B" is substantially the same as the band B except that each end portion of the band B" to one side of the flaps l has its edge e" disposed on an outward incline with respect to the flap 4 and in a direction toward the straight edge I)". This inclination of the edge 0 results in an extended part ll which, when the band B" is in applied or working position, is received within an opening 10 provided at the juncture between an end wall 1" and a side wall 8". This opening 10 opens at the inner face of the end wall 1" and may be provided as desired but preferably by slightly separating the side wall 8" from the adjacent end edge of the end wall 1". In referring to the opening 10 opening inwardly it is believed to be understood that this refers to an opening facing the opposed end wall of the lug.

It is believed to be understood that the various bands as hereinbefore disclosed are made of suitable fibrous material possessing the requisite strength toallow the band to effectively serve for the purposes desired.

In the embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figures 1 to 8 the points 0 are shown as being spaced inwardly of the score lines 6. Under certain conditions the lower margin of each of the extensions 4 between a point 0 and the lower or adjacent end of the score line 6 provides a shoulder which may retard the desired placement of the band within the lug. This probable disadvantage is avoided in the embodiment of my invention as illustrated in Figure 14 wherein each of the edges b is inwardly inclined from the adjacent end extremity of the score line 6" so that in the initial placement of the guard or band within the lug or kindred container the contact of the edges b with the cleats or upper edges of the end walls of the lug will assure direct contact with the flaps 4" with resultant desired lateral bending or folding of such flaps.

In the embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figure 15 each of the edges b is inclined inwardly from a desired point between the score line 6" and the outer edge of the flap 4" with a slit 5" separating the inner part of the lower margin of the flap 4 from the band.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 16 the flaps i are separated from the band by the score lines 6* which. extend tothe lower margin of the band and which band is free of the inclined guiding edges, but in Figure 17 is illustrated an embodiment wherein each lower corner of the band is cut away to provide an inclined guiding edge 79 which is continued entirely across the lower or inner end of the flap 4 From the foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that a guard for a tomato lug or similar container constructed in accordance with my invention is particularly well adapted for use by reason of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated, and it will also be obvious that my invention is susceptible of some change and modification with- .z'

out departing from the principles and spirit thereof and for thisreason. I do not wish to. be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement and formation of the several, parts, herein shown in carrying out my invention in. practice except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim:

1. As a new article of manufacture, a. guard comprising a band to be placed withinacontainer wherein the end walls of: the container at their upper portions have shoulders extending inwardly of the container, said band bridging the space between an upper edge of a side wall of the con.- tainer and an applied lid, and means on said band to engage under the shoulders of the-end: wallsof the container to hold the band against outward displacement.

2. As a new article of manufacture, a guard comprising a band to be placed within a container wherein the end walls of the container at their upper portions have shoulders extending inwardly of the container, said band bridging the space between an upper edge of a side wall of the container and an applied lid, and means on said band to engage under the shoulders of the end walls of the container to hold the band against outward displacement, said means being spaced inwardly from the outer edge of the band.

3, As a new article of manufacture, a'guard comprising a band to be placed within a container wherein the end walls of the container at their upper portions have shoulders extending inwardly of the container, said band bridging the space between an upper edge of a side wall of the container and an applied lid, and means on said band to engage under the shoulders of the end walls of the container to hold the band against outward displacement, said means being positioned at opposite end portions of the band, the means at one end portion being spaced from the means at the opposite end portiona distance substantially equal to the space between the end walls.

4. As a new article of manufacture, a guard comprising a band to be placed within a container wherein the end walls of the container at their upper portions have shoulders extending inwardly of the container, said band bridging the space between an upper edge of a side wall of the container and an applied lid, and flaps carried by the opposite end portions of the band, said flaps being inwardly disposed when the band is in applied position to engage under the shoulders of the end walls.

5. As a new article of manufacture, a guard comprising a band to be placed within a container wherein the end walls of the container at their upper portions have shoulders extending inwardly of the container, said band bridging the space between an upper edge of a side wall of the container and an applied lid, and flaps carried by the opposite end portions of the band, said flaps being inwardly disposed when the band is in applied position to engage under the shoulders of the end walls, said flaps being initially coplanar with the band.

6. In combination, a container having its end walls provided with inwardly disposed shoulders adjacent to the open face of the container, a guard comprising a flat band to engage the interior of a side wall of the container to bridge the space between the top of the container and an applied lid, and means on the band to engage beneath the shoulders of the end walls to hold I the band against outward displacement.

7. In combination, acontainer having an end wall. provided with an. inwardly disposed: shoulder adjacent to the open face of. the container, a guard comprising a band to engage against the interior face of a side walls of the container and tobridge the space between the upper edge ofthe side wall. and an applied: lid, and meanson. the band to engage beneath the shoulder of the end." wall.

8. In combination, a container having end wall provided with. an inwardly disposed shoulder adjacent to the open face of the container, a guard comprising a band to engage against the interior face of a side wall of the container and to bridge the space between the upper edge oftheside wall and an applied lid, and means on the band to engage beneath the shoulder of 'theend wall, said band being of a length to extend substantially from one end wall of the container to the other.

9. As a new article of manufacture, a guard comprising a band to be placedv within a container wherein the end walls of the container at their upper portions have shoulders extending inwardly of the container, said band bridging the space between an upper edge of a side wallof the container and an applied lid, and meanson said band to engage under the shoulders of the end walls of the container to hold theband against outward displacement, said band having additional means for coaction with the container to hold the band in place.

10. A guard for placement against the side wall of a container-to bridge the space between said side wall and an applied lid, the container having end Walls with shoulders overlying the open face of the container, said guard comprising a band having its ends extended for coaction with the container tohold the band in place, said extensions having means to engage underthe shoulders.

11; A guard for placement against the sidewall of a container to bridge the space between said side wall and an applied lid, the container having end walls with shoulders overlying the open face of the container, said guard comprising a band having its ends extended for coaction with the container to hold the band in place, and flaps carried by the extensions to engage from below the shoulders of the end walls. a

12; As a new article of manufacture, a guard comprising a band to be placed within a container wherein the end walls of the container at their upper portions have shoulders extending inwardly of the container, said band bridging the m space between an upper edge of a side wall of the container and an applied lid, and means on said band to engage under the shoulders of the end walls of the container to hold the hand against outward displacement, said guard being of a 135 material to permit fiexure of the guard while being applied.

13. As a new article of manufacture, a guard comprising a band to be placed within a container wherein the end walls of the container extend 140 above the adjacent portions of the side walls and wherein the upper portions of the end walls have shoulders extending inwardly of the container, said band bridging the space between the upper edge of a side wall of the container and an applied 1-,4'5 lid, means on said band to engage under the shoulders of the end walls of the container to hold the band against outward displacement, and means on said band to overlie the adjacent ends of the upper extended portions of the end walls.

14. As a new article of manufacture, a guard comprising a band to be placed within a container wherein the end walls of the container extend above the adjacent portions of the side walls and wherein the upper portions of the end walls have shoulders extending inwardly of the container, said band bridging the space between the upper edge of a side wall of the container and an applied lid, means on said band to engage under the shoulders of the end walls of the container to hold the band against outward displacement, and means on said band to overlie the adjacent ends of the upper extended portions of the end walls and for engagement from above with the upper edges of the adjacent side walls.

15. As a new article of manufacture, a guard comprising a band to be placed within a container wherein the end walls of the container at their upper portions have shoulders extending inwardly of the container, said band bridging the space between an upper edge of a side wall of the container and an applied lid, and means on said band to engage under the shoulders of the end walls of the container to hold the band against outward displacement, the lower portions of the end edges of the band being inwardly inclined to facilitate the application of the band.

16. As a new article of manufacture, a guard comprising a band to be placed within a container wherein the end walls of the container at their upper portions have shoulders extending inwardly of the container, said band bridging the space between an upper edge of a side wall of the container and an applied lid, and flaps carried by the opposite end portions of the band, said flaps being inwardly disposed when the band is in applied ;position to engage under the shoulders of the end walls, each end edge of the band to one side of the adjacent flap being inwardly disposed to facilitate the application of the band.

17. As a new article of manufacture, a guard comprising a band to be placed within a container wherein the end walls of the container at their 7 upper portions have shoulders extending inwardly of the container, said band bridging the space between an upper edge of a side wall of the container and an applied lid, and flaps carried by the opposite end portions of the band, said flaps being inwardly disposed when the band is in applied position to engage under the shoulders of the end walls, each end edge of the band to one side of the adjacent flap being inwardly disposed to facilitate the application of the band, said incline extending outwardly beyond the juncture of the flap with the band.

18. As a new article of manufacture, a guard comprising a band to be placed within a container wherein the ,end walls of the container at their upper portions have shoulders extending inwardly of the container, said band bridging the space between an upper edge of a side wall of the container and an applied lid, and flaps carried by the opposite end portions of the band, said flaps being inwardly disposed when the band is in applied position to engage under the shoulders of the end walls, each end edge of the band to one side of the adjacent flap being inwardly disposed to facilitate the application of the band, said incline extending outwardly beyond the juncture of the flap with the band and entirely across the flap.

19. As a new article of manufacture, a guard comprising a band to be placed within a container wherein the end walls of the container at their upper portions have shoulders extending inwardly of the container, said band bridging the space between an upper edge of a side wall of the container and an applied lid, and flaps carried by the opposite end portions of the band, said flaps being inwardly disposed when the band is in applied position to engage under the shoulders of the end walls, each end edge of the band to one side of the adjacent flap being disposed on an outward incline.

JAMES W. TREW. 

